Mobile Harbor

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a mobile harbor capable of connecting a loading module with a propelling means to a ship anchored on the coast and transporting freights loaded from the loading module to a quay through a number of transport modules. The mobile harbor comprises a loading module that includes a connecting device capable of being securely docked to a ship, and at least one loading crane capable of loading or unloading container freights; and a transport module that includes a propelling device and a docking bridge capable of being connected to a quay, and at least one gantry crane transferring the freights stacked on a transport vehicle to the loading module or lading the transport vehicle with the freights on the transport module deck when being anchored to a quay.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to foreign Patent Application KR 102008 0090655, filed on Sep. 16, 2008, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mobile harbor with a reciprocatingshuttle, and more specifically, to a mobile harbor capable of connectinga loading module with a propelling means to a ship anchored on the coastand transporting freight loaded from the loading module to a quaythrough a number of transport modules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A competitive power of a product depends on a rapid production of theproduct, as well as a rapid movement of the product and a smooth supplyto a consumer. Among transport means of the product, marine transportusing a ship uses a less energy and has an inexpensive transport cost ascompared to other transport means. Therefore, most international tradeuses marine transport.

Recently, ships used for marine transport such as container ships havetended to become larger. This increases the transport amount of the shipto secure economical efficiency. Accordingly, a need exists for a harborincluding a mooring facility and a loading facility capable of docking alarge ship.

However, the harbors capable of docking a large container ship are rarein the inside and outside of the country. Also, enormous expense isrequired to construct such a harbor. A vast site is required toconstruct the harbor. In addition, a vast site and appurtenantfacilities for shipping a large number of containers in the field arerequired. When considering the influence of a large harbor onsurrounding environment, it is difficult to construct a new harbor.

Also, since the shipping and loading of freight are concentrated only ona small number of large harbors, traffic jams occur in roads near thelarge harbor due to the increase in vehicles for shipping freight ortransporting loaded freight. The increase in vehicles transporting heavyfreight is a main cause that damages the road. Therefore, a country or alocal autonomous entity should repair the damaged roads with an enormousexpense.

Currently, since the loading and the shipping of the container ship areperformed only from one side of a ship docked to an inner wall of theharbor and only in a portion of a ship not in total length of the ship,the efficiency of the loading and the shipping is very low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a mobileharbor capable of shipping and loading freight in a state of anchoring alarge ship on a sea away from a land without docking the ship to aninner wall within the harbor, thereby making it possible to rapidly shipor load freight.

Also, embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile harbor thatallows a large ship to be able to load and ship freight even in a smallharbor not including a container-dedicated quay, thereby making itpossible to distribute vehicles for transporting the freight to smoothphysical distribution and to avoid cost and environmental destructiondue to the construction of a new harbor.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide a mobileharbor that continuously performs the loading and shipping of freight atthe same time by a number of shuttles, thereby making it possible toreduce time required to load or ship freight.

Further, embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile harborthat has a structure capable of using a canal passing through an inland,thereby making it possible to load containers or freight from a largeship and then directly transport them to the vicinity of demands.

One embodiment of the mobile harbor comprises a loading module thatincludes a connecting device capable of being securely docked to a ship,and at least one loading crane capable of shipping and loading containerfreight; and a transport module that includes a propelling device and adocking bridge capable of being connected to a quay, and at least onegantry crane unloading the freight stacked on a transport vehicle orlading the transport vehicle with the freight on the deck when beinganchored to a quay.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the loadingmodule may be formed to be able to be docked corresponding to a shape ofthe transport module, thereby enabling a number of transport modules tobe docked thereto at any time.

In addition, the loading module may have a propelling device, and mayfurther comprise: a control tower that performs operation and control ofeach device; and a buffer that may absorb the shock from collision by awave when the transport module is docked thereto.

In addition, the loading module may further comprise a stabilizer thatis protruded in a transverse direction of the loading module forstability and may be attached/detached thereto/therefrom and foldablyreceived therein.

In addition, the loading module may further comprise a docking managingtower that includes a system automatically controlling a location of thetransport module when the transport module is docked thereto to guidethe docking of the transport module.

In addition, the loading module may further comprise a posture controlmodule mounted on a lower of a hull for maintaining the anchoringlocation against the ship.

In addition, the connecting device may use a vacuum or a magnetic forcein order to connect the loading module to the ship or the transportmodule.

In addition, the connecting device may use a connecting member of aflexible material or an oil pressure cylinder in order to maintain adistance between the loading module and the ship so that they do notcollide with each other.

In addition, the transport module may include a propelling device.

Further, the transport module may include a docking bridge that isprovided in an end thereof in order to be able to form a slope and besecured into the quay to maintain anchoring when the transport module isdocked to the quay.

Preferably, when the transport module is docked to the quay, thetransport vehicle embarks on the transport module so that the freight isloaded on the transport vehicle.

The mobile harbor, according to embodiments of the present invention,has a construction that provides the following effects.

The mobile harbor according to embodiments of the present inventionincludes a crane and a docking facility, and may rapidly load or shipfreight from both sides of a ship anchored to an outer port. Shippingand loading of containers and freight from a quay to the mobile harboror from the mobile harbor to the quay are performed after docking themobile harbor to the vicinity of the quay.

The mobile harbor may ship and load the containers even in a harbor notincluding a container-dedicated quay, and minimally occupies a dockinglocation of the quay, thereby making it possible to simultaneously docka number of transport modules. Therefore, the mobile harbor may processmuch more freight in a unit time as compared to an existing method.Also, the mobile harbor decentralizes vehicles for land transportation,thereby making it possible to prevent traffic jams occurring in thevicinity of a container ship-dedicated quay, efficiently and rapidlytransport the freight, and prevent environmental destruction due todevelopment of a new or large harbor.

Meanwhile, when the transport module is designed to have a structurecapable of using a canal passing through inland, it is possible to loadcontainer freight from a large ship and then directly transport them tothe vicinity of a demanded location. Accordingly, it is possible toreduce physical distribution costs and conserve environment throughenergy saving, and reduction of CO₂ discharge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will be more fully described in the following detaileddescription of preferred and other embodiments and examples, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a loading module according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a loading module according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a transport module according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state that a ship, a loadingmodule and a transport module are docked with each other according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state that a transport module isdocked to a quay according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific features and benefits of the present invention will further beobvious by the following detailed description with reference toaccompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the case where it isjudged that a specific description for a known function with respect tothe present invention and a configuration thereof may unnecessarilyobscure the gist of the present invention, it will be omitted.

The present invention provides a system capable of shipping and loadingfreight such as containers, which is a mobile harbor comprising aloading module 1 and a number of transport modules 2.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a loading module accordingto an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspectiveview showing a state that a ship, a loading module and a transportmodule are docked with each other according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the loading module 1 according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention includes a loading crane11, a connecting device 12, a buffer 13, a control tower 14, a dockingmanaging tower 15, a posture controller 16, and a stabilizer 17.

The loading module 1 is formed in a structure capable of docking theship and the transport module thereto, wherein one side of the loadingmodule is formed with at least one stabilizer 17 in a ‘U’ shape in whichat least one transport module 2 is accepted to facilitate the docking.

The stabilizer 17 is a guide acting as a docking quay to be able tosecurely guide the transport module 2 when the transport module 2 isdocked to the loading module 1. Herein, the stabilizer 17 is configuredto be able to be attached/detached to/from the loading module 1 orfoldably received in the loading module 1 for facilitating movement ofthe loading module 1 or obtaining stability against waves.

At least one loading crane 11 is installed on an upper plate of theloading module 1, thereby making it possible to ship and load freightinto the ship and the transport module 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, the connecting device 12, which is a devicemaintaining the ship 3, the transport module 2, and the loading module 1to be fixed each other when the ship 3 and the transport module 2 aredocked to the loading module 1, includes a number of connectors along aside of the loading module 1. An absorption cup may be used as theconnecting device 12. The absorption cup allows the loading module 1 tobe able to have a small-scale relative displacement in a state where theloading module 1 is connected to the ship 3 and/or the transport module2. The absorption cup may use a vacuum or a magnetic force in order togenerate connecting force, and may use a flexible material such asrubber or an oil pressure cylinder, etc., in order to allow thesmall-scale relative displacement.

Herein, the small-scale relative displacement means a spaced state wherea distance is maintained between the ship 3, the transport module 2, andthe loading module 1 so that they do not collide with each other at thetime of occurrence of shaking due to a wave or movement thereof.

The buffer 13, which is an elastic protective guide provided in an endside of the stabilizer 17 of the loading module 1 guided when thetransport module 2 is docked to the loading module 1, is a protectorthat buffers impact due to collision by the wave when the transportmodule 2 is docked to the loading module 1.

The control tower 14 is installed on the upper plate of the loadingmodule 1, and is designed in a sufficiently high structure in order tooperate the loading module 1, ship/load the freight and secure a visualfield for performing other functions. The control tower 14 may operatethe loading module 1 as well as control a situation that the freightsuch as containers are shipped and loaded, in real time. The controltower 14 controls and manages most functions of the loading module 1 asfollows: propulsion of the loading module 1, adjustment of the loadingcrane 11 and shipping/loading of the freight, docking arrangement withregard to the ship, communication, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, since guide rails are formed along a lengthdirection of the loading module 1, the loading crane 11 can move throughthe guide rails. And, the control tower 14 also may move throughunillustrated rails.

The docking managing tower 15 is a system that is installed on the upperplate of the loading module 1 and automatically controls a location ofthe transport module 2 when the transport module 2 is docked to theloading module 1, thereby guiding the transport module 2 to be securelydocked to a receptor of the loading module 1. When the transport module2 has arrived at a certain location with regard to the loading module 1,the docking managing tower 15 performs operation and control of thetransport module 2 to guide the loading module 1 and the transportmodule 2 to be harmonically docked depending on the waves or surroundingcircumstances.

The posture controller 16 is a stabilizing device that is installed on alower of a hull of the loading module 1 and has a rectangular plateshape with a narrow width along a length direction of the hull in orderto maintain an anchoring location against the ship, as well as aparallel state of the hull of the loading module 1. The posturecontroller 16 includes a posture implementing system such as gyroscopein order to maintain a stable posture even in the presence of strongwaves.

Also, the loading module may further comprise a propelling means (notshown) in order to move or connect between the quay and the ship.

To this end, the loading module may also comprise a propeller providinga propelling force in each direction.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a transport module according to oneembodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective viewshowing a state that a transport module is docked to a quay according toa preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the transport module 2 according to the presentinvention comprises a gantry crane 21, a docking bridge 22, and apropelling device 23.

The transport module 2 is constituted by a number of shuttles formed ina uniform size to correspond to the receptor of the loading module 1.Also, the transport module 2 has a miniaturized and simplified structureto facilitate the docking to the quay 4 with a relatively low waterlevel.

The gantry crane 21, which is at least one relatively miniaturized craneinstalled on an upper plate of the transport module 2, may move in alength direction of the transport module 2, and may ship the containersin multi-layer or directly ship or load the freight 5 onto a trailer ora train when the transport module 2 is docked to the quay to ship andload the freight 5.

The gantry crane 21 may be constituted by a plurality of miniaturizedcranes mounted on the upper plate of the transport module 2 in a rows orcolumns. This reduces weight and size of the gantry crane 21 and enablesloading of many trailers in the plurality of rows, thereby making itpossible to simultaneously perform a lot of loading works.

Referring to FIG. 5, the docking bridge 22, which is a receptivetemporary bridge capable of being connected to the quay 4, is a bridgethat is installed on an upper end of one side of the transport module 2.The docking bridge 22 is received therein when the transport module 2 isnavigated, and is protruded to form a slope, is secured into the quay 4to maintain anchoring, and passes the trailer and the train to the upperplate of the transport module 2 when the transport module 2 is docked tothe quay 4.

The propelling device 23 is a transport device that is installed on alower surface of the transport module 2 and moves and/or connectsbetween the loading module 1 and the quay 4.

The propelling device 23 may be provided as a propeller providing apropelling force in each direction. Also, a propelling device such as ahovercraft or hydrofoil may be used in order to be able to rapidlytransport the freight and move even in a harbor or a canal with ashallow water level.

The embodiment in which the concept of the mobile harbor is applied willbe described with reference to accompanying drawings. All of thestructures of the mobile harbor include items shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,the items being omitted in other drawings.

A form that the transport module 2 and the ship 3 are anchored to theloading module 1 in the ‘U’ shape according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention will be schematically shown in FIG. 4.

The loading module 1 with the propelling means approaches toward theship 3 anchored on a sea area in the vicinity of the harbor and the quay4 with a relatively low water level to be connected and fixed to theship 3 by the connecting device 12.

The transport module 2 anchored to the quay 4 is guided by the dockingmanaging tower 15 and connected to the receptor of the loading module 1.

In the case where the transport module 2 is shaken due to a changingfactor such as a wave when the transport module 2 is docked to theloading module 1, the shock from collision between the transport module2 and the loading module 1 is absorbed by the buffer 13 of the loadingmodule 1.

Works for loading or shipping the freight 5 on the ship 3 onto theconnected transport module 2 are performed by the loading crane 11.

The transport module 2 finishing the loading or shipping works isreturned to the quay 4. At this time, at least one transport module 2waits in the loading module 1 to allow the loading and shipping works tobe continued, thereby rapidly performing the works.

Herein, the freight 5 may be stacked in multi-layer or move within thetransport module 2 by the gantry crane 21 installed on the transportmodule 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the transport module 2 docked to the quay 4 isconnected and seated to the quay 4 by the protruded docking bridge 22and the trailer and the train enters into the transport module 2,thereby directly shipping or loading the freight 5 by the gantry crane21.

At this time, the shipping and loading amount of the freight 5 may beincreased depending on an area of the transport module 2 docked to thequay 4 or the number of the adjacent cranes, and the transport speed andthe transport amount of the freight 5 is largely increased due to anumber of transport modules 2.

Also, since the freight 5 is directly shipped and loaded to the trailerwithin the transport module 2, the present invention advantageouslyreduces congestion in the quay and may be applied even in a quay with asmall loading space.

Although the present invention has been described in detail withreference to its presently preferred embodiment, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalentscan be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention, as set forth in the appended claims.

Also, the substances of each constituent explained in the specificationcan be easily selected and processed by those skilled in the art fromthe well-known various substances. Furthermore, those skilled in the artcan change the order to methodic steps explained in the specificationaccording to environments of processes or equipments. Thus, it isintended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. A mobile harbor, comprising: a loading module that includes aconnecting device capable of being securely docked to a ship, and atleast one loading crane capable of loading or unloading containerfreight; and a transport module that includes at least one gantry craneloading or unloading the container freight on the loading module whenbeing connected to the loading module and unloading the freight stackedon a transport vehicles or lading the transport vehicles with thefreight on the transport module deck when being anchored to a quay. 2.The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the loading module isformed to be able to be docked corresponding to a shape of the transportmodule, thereby enabling a number of transport modules to be dockedthereto at any time.
 3. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, whereinthe loading module has a propelling device, and further comprises: acontrol tower that performs operation and control of each device; and abuffer that absorb the shock from collision by a wave when the transportmodule is docked thereto.
 4. The mobile harbor according to claim 1,wherein the loading module further comprises a stabilizer that isprotruded in a transverse direction of the loading module for stabilityand is attached/detached thereto/therefrom and foldably receivedtherein.
 5. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the loadingmodule further comprises a docking managing tower that includes a systemautomatically controlling a location of the transport module when thetransport module is docked thereto to guide the docking of the transportmodule.
 6. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the loadingmodule further comprises a posture control module mounted on a lower ofa hull for maintaining the anchoring location against the ship.
 7. Themobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device uses avacuum or a magnetic force in order to connect the loading module to theship or the transport module.
 8. The mobile harbor according to claim 1,wherein the connecting device uses a connecting member of a flexiblematerial or an oil pressure cylinder in order to maintain a distancebetween the loading module and the ship so that they do not collide witheach other.
 9. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein thetransport module includes a propelling device.
 10. The mobile harboraccording to claim 1, wherein the transport module includes a dockingbridge that is provided in an end thereof in order to be able to form aslope and be secured into the quay to maintain anchoring when thetransport module is docked to the quay.
 11. The mobile harbor accordingto claim 1, wherein when the transport module is docked to the quay, thetransport vehicle embarks on the transport module so that the freight istransferred from the transport vehicle to the transport module ortransferred from the transport module to the transport vehicle on thetransport module deck.